🌊 Sea without a visa: 25 countries and the best month to travel in 2026

Packing a suitcase without a visa is easier than it seems. Half of the world's warm seas are open for entry either visa-free or with a permit you get right at the airport. The main thing here is not to mix up the season: in some countries you can swim year-round, in others only from fall to spring.

Visa rules, meanwhile, change constantly. Starting September 15, 2026, Thailand is reducing visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days (official website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand). So we put together 25 destinations and for each country listed the best season, the character of the sea, and an honest catch.

💡 In short:

Visa-free entry or visa on arrival is available for all 25 destinations in this review.
Each country has its own season, so you can plan a seaside vacation for any month of the year.

If you need	Destination	Why it's worth choosing
A short flight and warm sea in summer	Turkey	Four seas, season through late October
Swimming in the middle of winter	Egypt	The Red Sea is warm even in January
Mountains, sea, and treatment	Georgia	Batumi and the black sand of Ureki
Comfort and high-end service	UAE	Jumeirah beaches and Palm Jumeirah
Exotic travel on a budget	Vietnam	Year-round season in different zones
Diving and coral reefs	Maldives	Atolls, lagoons, and rich underwater life

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1. Turkey

Turkey is four seas in one country and a long swimming season. The sea here is warm from early June through late October, and the velvet season stretches almost to November. There is almost no rain during this time, so beach vacations turn out predictable.

Bike path in Antalya with mountains in the background

The Mediterranean resorts of Kemer, Antalya, and Alanya are chosen for their pebble beaches and clear water, while Belek has sandy beaches. The Aegean coast in Marmaris, Bodrum, and Kusadasi is milder in climate, and there are noticeably more ancient monuments there. On the Sea of Marmara in Armutlu and Yalova, sandy beaches come with mineral and mud springs.

Best season: June to October, velvet season in the second half of September.
Sea and beaches: pebble on the Mediterranean, sandy in Belek, sandy and pebble on the Aegean.
Visa rules: citizens of most EU countries do not need a visa, others often only need an electronic permit.
Who it's for: for a first beach vacation with kids and without a long flight.
The catch: in July and August the coast has exhausting heat, and Kemer's beaches are pebble.

2. Egypt

Egypt combines beach vacations with sightseeing, and there are two seas to choose from. Spring is best for swimming: from April through June the sea is already warm and the heat is still mild. From July through August the coast becomes unbearably hot, so these months are better skipped.

The velvet season from September through November is considered by many the best time for a vacation. On the Mediterranean in Alexandria and El Alamein, the beaches are snow-white and sandy. On the Red Sea, Hurghada and quiet Makadi Bay lead, while divers choose Marsa Alam and El Gouna.

Sharm El Sheikh waterfront with boats and a hotel

On the Sinai Peninsula in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, and Nuweiba, the beaches are sandy and rocky, but with excellent infrastructure and a large selection of hotels.

Best season: April to June and September to November.
Sea and beaches: sandy and sandy-rocky, excellent snorkeling on the Red Sea.
Visa rules: visa on arrival or an e-visa issued in advance on the official Egypt portal.
Who it's for: for those who want to combine the sea with history and diving.
The catch: in July and August the heat becomes unbearable, and in winter the Red Sea is windy.

Where to stay in Egypt on Trip.com

3. Georgia

Georgia offers a long Black Sea coastline and a gentle transition from heat to the velvet season. The swimming season runs from July through October: in midsummer the air becomes milder while the sea stays warm. Visa-free entry is valid for almost a year, so it's easy to come here for a long stay.

Pebble beach in Batumi with mountain views

The major resorts of Batumi and Poti are known for pebble beaches, while Kobuleti has sand with fine pebbles. In Kvariati, Ureki, and Gonio, the beaches are covered with dark sand believed to have healing properties. Makhinjauri and Mtsvane Kontskhi are chosen for clean water and good ecology.

Best season: July to October, velvet season in September.
Sea and beaches: pebble beaches of Batumi and the black sand of Ureki.
Visa rules: long visa-free entry for EU citizens and many other countries.
Who it's for: for an affordable vacation with treatment and trips to the mountains.
The catch: at the height of the season Batumi is crowded, and some beaches are pebble.

Where to stay in Georgia on Trip.com

4. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan attracts with affordable vacations on the Caspian Sea and oil-based treatment. The beach season here is long: it starts in May and lasts almost to the end of October. In early June the air warms up gently, and at the peak of summer it becomes truly hot.

The entire Absheron Peninsula is a chain of beaches with golden sand and a gentle entry into the water. Near Baku in Novkhany, the beaches Palm Beach, Barbados Beach, and Sahil Beach operate with showers, umbrellas, and changing cabins. Near Cape Shikhovo there are more hotel beaches, and in Lankaran the sands are black.

Best season: May to October.
Sea and beaches: sandy, gentle entry, a significant share of beaches are paid.
Visa rules: EU citizens need an e-visa, issued online in advance.
Who it's for: for a budget trip with treatment and fortress excursions.
The catch: humid subtropical climate and paid entry to many beaches.

Where to stay in Azerbaijan on Trip.com

5. Israel

Israel means three seas and three different types of vacation in a single trip. The swimming season opens as early as April, when the Red Sea and the Dead Sea are already warm. But July and August are best skipped: the coast gets too hot, and the sea turns into warm water with no freshness.

Dead Sea with desert mountains on the horizon

The Mediterranean coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa is lined with the sandy beaches of Netanya. Near Haifa is Dor Beach, and by the capital is the upscale Herzliya with beachfront hotels. On the Red Sea, Eilat's beaches work well for both swimming and snorkeling.

Best season: April to June and October.
Sea and beaches: sandy on the Mediterranean, sand and pebble on the Red Sea.
Visa: visa-free entry for up to three months.
Who it's for: those who combine beaches with sightseeing and Dead Sea treatments.
The catch: sweltering heat in July and August, and a rocky bottom at the Dead Sea.

Where to stay in Israel on Trip.com

6. UAE

The UAE offers a dry climate with almost no rain and very well-kept sandy beaches. The comfortable months for a beach vacation are spring and fall, while summer brings unbearable heat. In winter the sea is cooler than in the tropics, but the air is mild and there is almost no wind.

Panorama of Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab

Dubai is famous for its wide white-sand beaches and turquoise water. The center of beach tourism here is the upscale Jumeirah with the artificial Palm Jumeirah archipelago. In Abu Dhabi, many beaches hold Blue Flag certification for environmental quality. The most affordable beaches are in Sharjah, while wild and quiet ones are around Fujairah.

Best season: March to May and October to November.
Sea and beaches: sandy, sand comes in different colors, beaches are excellently equipped.
Visa: visa-free entry for EU citizens and many other countries.
Who it's for: those who want a high level of service and comfort.
The catch: extreme heat in summer, and hotels in Jumeirah are expensive.

Where to stay in the UAE on Trip.com

7. Jordan

Jordan combines a beach vacation with treatments in two seas at once. Peak season falls in spring and fall, when the water in the Red Sea is at its most comfortable. From November to March, the coast gets rain, but you can swim in the Dead Sea year-round.

Aqaba waterfront with hotels, palm trees, and boats

Among Red Sea resorts, Aqaba leads the way: beaches in the north are well-developed and sandy, while the south is pebble and rocky. The beaches at Tala Bay Resort get good reviews. The Dead Sea coast is known for its rocky bottom and first-line spa hotels with private beaches.

Best season: April-May and September-November.
Sea and beaches: sandy in northern Aqaba, pebble on the southern shore.
Visa: visa on arrival at the airport.
Who it's for: for those who want the sea and Petra in one itinerary.
The catch: from November to March, the Red Sea has a rainy season.

Where to stay in Jordan on Trip.com

8. Vietnam

Vietnam stretches across several climate zones, so the swimming season here never ends. While the north gets rain, the south stays dry and warm. This is exactly what makes the country convenient for a vacation in any month of the year.

Palm trees and beachgoers on Nha Trang Beach

The central resorts of Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Hoi An are famous for their white-sand beaches. In Halong, April, May, September, and October are comfortable. Con Dao Island is great for diving from February to July, and the beaches of Phu Quoc under coconut palms are considered the place with the shortest rainy season.

Southern Vietnam lives on a tropical rhythm, so there is no real winter here. From December to April, the sea at the southern beaches is calm and clean.

A convenient way to plan your route is this: first Hanoi and Halong Bay, then the central resorts of Da Nang and Nha Trang, and finally the south with Phu Quoc. This sequence follows the movement of the dry season, so you barely get caught in the rain. If you are short on time, pick one climate zone and do not mix the north with the south on a short trip.

Best season: year-round in the south, shorter in the north and center.
Sea and beaches: white sand and calm water on the southern islands.
Visa: e-visa is applied for online in advance; check the validity period on the official portal.
Who it's for: for long trips and wintering by the sea.
The catch: the north and center can get prolonged rains and typhoons.

Where to stay in Vietnam on Trip.com

9. Thailand

Thailand holds a reputation as a country with developed infrastructure, a wide choice of hotels, and low prices. High season runs from October to April, when the weather is dry and hot. In the other months, rain comes in waves and rarely gets in the way of swimming.

Colorful Patong Beach sign on Phuket beach

From May to September, take a closer look at Koh Samui, where this is peak season. On Phuket, rain falls from late May to mid-October, but the waves make surfers happy. In Pattaya, September and October are rainy, and in Krabi the low season falls on July-September.

Best season: October-April.
Sea and beaches: sandy, with the exotic islands of the Andaman Sea.
Visa: from September 15, 2026, visa-free entry is reduced from 60 to 30 days, verified on 13.09.2026 on the official TAT website.
Who it's for: for those who want maximum service for reasonable money.
The catch: from May to October, high humidity and frequent downpours.

Where to stay in Thailand on Trip.com

10. Cyprus

Cyprus combines a long swimming season with rich history and developed infrastructure. The subtropical climate gives almost half a year of dry, hot summer, and the sea breeze softens the heat. The velvet season falls in September and October.

Ayia Napa square at night with bars and neon lights

The beaches of Larnaca and Paphos have fine pebble surfaces, so water shoes will come in handy. Those who love sand should head to Ayia Napa, Limassol, or Protaras. Many of the island's beaches hold the EU Blue Flag for water cleanliness.

Winter here is cool, but mild and green, so the island is popular for walks and sightseeing outside the beach season.

For accommodation, Limassol or Larnaca are more convenient: from there it is easy to reach Ayia Napa and Paphos. Renting a car makes traveling around the island more comfortable, because buses between resorts run infrequently.

Best season: May-October, velvet season in September.
Sea and beaches: fine pebble in Larnaca and Paphos, sand in Ayia Napa.
Visa: EU citizens do not need a visa; everyone else applies for a national visa in advance.
Who it's for: for a relaxed vacation with sightseeing and a short flight.
The catch: July and August are very hot, and the beaches of Larnaca and Paphos are pebble.

Where to stay in Cyprus on Trip.com

11. China, Hainan Island

Hainan, China's tropical island with turquoise waters of the South China Sea. The monsoon climate gives a beach season almost all year round: the high season lasts from December to April, when it's warm during the day and the humidity is easy to handle. In the low season, rains mostly come after sunset.

Panorama of Yalong Bay with boats and islands

The resorts of Yalong Bay and Dadonghai are considered the best on the island, with modern infrastructure for vacationers. Almost all beaches are public and free. The main catch of the island is typhoons, which occur in late summer and early fall.

Best season: December to April.
Sea and beaches: turquoise water, free sandy beaches in Yalong Bay and Dadonghai.
Visa rules: Hainan has visa-free entry for EU citizens and a number of other countries.
Who it's for: for a winter getaway with a warm sea and no visa hassle.
The catch: typhoons are possible in August and September, and humidity is high in the low season.

Where to stay in Hainan on Trip.com

12. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean where there is no sharp contrast between seasons. From January to April the coasts are dry, and rains arrive in May and taper off by September. The mild climate makes a vacation comfortable almost any time of year.

Sandy Mirissa Beach with palm trees and loungers

The resorts of Bentota and Beruwala, with a long sandy beach under coconut palms, are suited to a quiet vacation. Hikkaduwa Beach stretches along the west coast, and many sections of it have hotels. In the south, take a look at Unawatuna in a calm bay and Weligama with golden sand.

Best season: January to April, and on the southwest coast also in August.
Sea and beaches: sandy, with coral reefs in some places.
Visa rules: EU citizens need an electronic ETA, which is applied for online in advance.
Who it's for: for a quiet vacation and getting to know the culture.
The catch: high humidity, and frequent rains from May to September.

Where to stay in Sri Lanka on Trip.com

13. Malaysia

Malaysia offers tropical islands with white sand and coral reefs. The dry season from April to September is considered the best time for swimming and sunbathing. Rains and storms more often hit the east coast in November to March.

Colorful Pantai Chenang sign on the Langkawi waterfront

Popular spots include Long Beach, Perhentian and Panuba Beach, as well as the islands of Penang, Langkawi, Pangkor and Borneo. Divers from around the world head to Sipadan for its rich underwater life, and Tioman is listed among the most beautiful islands in the world.

Best season: April to September.
Sea and beaches: white sand, coral reefs, excellent diving conditions.
Visa rules: visa-free entry for EU citizens, with the length of stay depending on the passport country.
Who it's for: for lovers of islands, diving and affordable exotic destinations.
The catch: from November to March the east coast gets rains and storms.

Where to stay in Malaysia on Trip.com

14. Indonesia, Bali

Bali, a colorful island with beaches ranging from snow-white to black sand. The humid tropical climate keeps stable warmth all year round, so you can swim almost anytime. The dry season lasts from April to October, and rains fall from November to March.

The developed beaches of Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, and Sanur are convenient for swimming during high tides. The quiet Jimbaran Bay and Padang Padang Beach appeal to travelers of all ages. Pandawa Beach with its caves and Dreamland under the palms offer a wide choice of hotels at different levels.

Best season: April to October.
Sea and beaches: sand in various shades, from white to black.
Visa policy: EU citizens can enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival.
Who it's for: surfing, snorkeling, and family vacations.
The catch: from November to March, the rainy season brings heavy downpours.

Where to stay in Bali on Trip.com

15. Maldives

The Maldives are coral atolls with the whitest sand and lagoons where there are almost no waves. The best time to visit lasts from December to April, when there is practically no rain and the sea breeze softens the heat. In the other months, monsoon rains and winds arrive.

Turquoise lagoon and overwater bungalows

The main archipelago is North Malé Atoll, with about fifty islands and luxury resorts. In South Malé Atoll, some islands are occupied by hotels that are well suited for family vacations. In the south, Addu Atoll rewards guests with a certificate for crossing the equator.

Best season: December to April.
Sea and beaches: lagoons, reefs, and white sand, with almost no waves.
Visa policy: visa-free entry for up to 30 days, with a stamp issued at the airport.
Who it's for: diving, honeymoons, and a laid-back getaway.
The catch: expensive flights, and from April to December monsoon rains arrive.

Where to stay in the Maldives on Trip.com

16. Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than seven thousand islands with a tropical climate. The air temperature here is steady all year, and the sea stays warm. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the dry season prevails at most resorts.

White sand beach with palm trees on Boracay

The beaches of Bantayan, Palawan, Ilocos, Gigantes, and Bicol are recognized as the most attractive for swimming: white sand and quality hotel service. In the east of Mindanao, Samar, and Luzon it is rainy from December to March, while Cebu enjoys moderate weather all year round.

Best season: December to April.
Sea and beaches: white sand, calm water in the west of the archipelago.
Visa policy: no visa needed for up to 30 days, but health insurance is requested at the border.
Who it's for: diving and vacations on uncrowded islands.
The catch: from May to November it is rainy, with frequent typhoons.

Where to stay in the Philippines on Trip.com

17. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic lies in the east of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic. The high season here lasts from early December to early April, and the wet season from April to November is never prolonged: rains alternate with sunny days.

Bavaro Beach with umbrellas and palm trees at sunset

The resorts of Boca Chica and Juan Dolio are known for their snow-white sandy beaches, protected by a turquoise lagoon and coral reefs. A special local feature is a warm "Indian summer" in August, when the weather is mild and almost rain-free.

Best season: December to April.
Sea and beaches: snow-white sand, wave-free lagoons.
Visa policy: visa-free entry for up to 30 days, with a migration card filled out at the airport.
Who it's for: family vacations and all-inclusive stays.
The catch: from April to November humidity is high, and hurricanes are possible in the fall.

Where to stay in the Dominican Republic on Trip.com

18. Mexico

Mexico combines ancient monuments and long sandy beaches on two oceans. The winter months are considered the ideal season: the heat subsides, while the sea stays warm. The rainy season begins in May, sometimes lasting until October and bringing hurricane-force winds.

Panorama of the colorful city of Guanajuato in Mexico

On the Caribbean Sea, the best resorts are in the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. On the Pacific coast, lively Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta stand out. For peace and quiet, head to Puerto Escondido, Costa Alegre, or Punta de Mita, and for a high-end getaway, Los Cabos.

On the Caribbean coast, the sea is calm, and the Mayan pyramids and cenotes are nearby. On the Pacific, the waves are stronger, so that side suits surfers better.

Inland, it's worth visiting Mexico City and Oaxaca to see colonial architecture and try the local cuisine. Two or three days are enough for this, just book domestic flights in advance.

Best season: November to March.
Sea and beaches: sandy, with big waves on the Pacific.
Visa rules: EU citizens don't need a visa or permit and can stay for up to 180 days.
Who it's for: combining beaches with excursions to Mayan pyramids.
The catch: from May to October there's a rainy season and a risk of hurricanes.

Where to stay in Mexico on Trip.com

19. Cuba

Cuba is called one of the most picturesque islands in the Caribbean. The high season runs from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy period arrives in May, and hurricanes are possible in October.

Baroque rooftops and statues in Havana, Cuba

In the capital, Havana, well-maintained beaches are located in the Santa Maria area. The country's main resort, Varadero on the Hicacos Peninsula, is called the place of eternal sunshine. On the protected Cayo Coco, it's worth visiting Las Coloradas and Los Flamencos beaches, where pink flamingos can be seen.

Best season: November to April.
Sea and beaches: white sand, turquoise water, reefs for snorkeling.
Visa rules: a tourist card is arranged in advance or obtained at the airport.
Who it's for: an affordable Caribbean getaway with music and history.
The catch: from May to October it's rainy, and hurricanes are possible in October.

Where to stay in Cuba on Trip.com

20. Brazil

Brazil is associated with the golden beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Copacabana, carnivals, and the aroma of coffee. You can enjoy a beach vacation here year-round: the climate is mild, and rain showers are local and short-lived. The rainy season in the Rio area falls on January to March, and in Salvador on April to June.

Wave-patterned mosaic on the Copacabana waterfront in Rio

The northeastern resorts of Recife, Natal, and Fortaleza are closer to the equator, so they're the hottest. The southern beaches of Florianopolis are popular from May to September, when the weather is comfortable and warm winds blow.

Best season: year-round, the south from May to September.
Sea and beaches: golden sand, big waves on the Atlantic.
Visa rules: visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
Who it's for: surfing, carnivals, and active recreation.
The catch: in December the coast is very hot, and downpours are possible in summer.

Where to stay in Brazil on Trip.com

21. Tanzania

Tanzania lies in East Africa below the equator and faces the Indian Ocean. The best beaches are on the islands of Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba: fine white sand, clear blue water, and palm trees. It's most comfortable here in June, when the tourist influx is still small and hotel prices haven't risen yet.

Kitesurfer and boat on turquoise water in Zanzibar

Tanzania's climate is divided into two dry and two rainy seasons. The long rains fall from March to May, and the short rains in October and November. It's dry and sunny from June to September and from December to February.

Best season: June to September and December to February.
Sea and beaches: white sand, clear water, excellent snorkeling.
Visa rules: a visa is arranged online in advance or obtained on arrival.
Who it's for: diving, safaris, and an exotic beach vacation.
The catch: from March to May there are long rains, and the flight itself takes a lot of time.

Where to stay in Tanzania on Trip.com

22. Jamaica

Jamaica, a vibrant Caribbean island with warm turquoise water. The humid tropical climate brings mild winters and hot summers, so swimming is pleasant almost all year round. The dry high season runs from December to April.

The best beaches are on the north coast, where the shoreline is protected by coral reefs. In Negril, a white-sand beach stretches for many kilometers. Montego Bay, located in a marine national park, offers excellent diving conditions. The quiet bay of Ocho Rios impresses with waterfalls, and the Port Antonio area has the best surfing spots.

Best season: December-April.
Sea and beaches: white sand, reefs, calm water in the north.
Visa requirements: visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
Who it's for: reggae atmosphere, diving, and waterfalls.
The catch: from May to June and from September to October it's rainy and windy.

Where to stay in Jamaica on Trip.com

23. Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a country between two oceans with endless summer. The dry season runs from December to May, and the rainy season starts in mid-May and lasts until mid-December. On the Pacific coast, the most rainfall occurs in September and October.

Sandy Manuel Antonio Beach with a forested headland

Along the Pacific Ocean are the resorts of Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Samara, Flamingo, and Tamarindo with beaches of white, pink, and brown sand. The Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva is a surfer's choice: black sand, big waves, and strong currents. Tortuguero Beach is famous for sea turtle nesting.

Best season: December-May.
Sea and beaches: sand in various shades, calm water on the Pacific.
Visa requirements: visa-free entry for EU citizens.
Who it's for: ecotourism, surfing, and turtle watching.
The catch: from mid-May to December rains are frequent, and there's an airport departure tax.

Where to stay in Costa Rica on Trip.com

24. Barbados

Barbados, a picturesque island in the Lesser Antilles between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. The tropical climate brings year-round warmth, and trade winds and sea breezes keep the heat in check. The best time to visit is from December to May.

Beach with white sand and turquoise water

The west coast on the Caribbean side is known for golden beaches with easy water access. The resorts of St. James and St. Peter are popular here. The eastern shores along the Atlantic attract surfers to Crane Beach, while southern Bridgetown is known for calm seas and water activities.

The south coast suits budget travel, while the east coast remains wild and open to the wind.

From Bridgetown, it's easy to plan day trips to plantations and spice markets. Good sandy beaches can be found in St. Lawrence Gap, Oistins, and Silver Sands. Rain showers here are short, so you can usually wait out a downpour under a canopy and get back to the sea.

Best season: December-May.
Sea and beaches: golden sand, calm water in the west and waves in the east.
Visa requirements: visa-free entry, health insurance is asked for at the border.
Who it's for: a relaxed Caribbean getaway and surfing.
The catch: from June to November it's rainy, and hurricanes are possible in September and October.

Where to stay in Barbados on Trip.com

25. Seychelles

Seychelles, a necklace of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The mild tropical climate keeps temperatures steady, and seasons differ mostly in rainfall. The high dry season runs from June to October, while from December to May short warm showers pass through.

Tropical island and turquoise sea by the beach

The capital Victoria on Mahe Island is known for beachfront hotels. Mahe has about seventy beaches in total, and the most popular is Beau Vallon. On Praslin, the beaches are small and quiet, and the palms produce coconuts of unusual shapes. For seclusion, travelers choose the private island resorts of Desroches, Fregate, and Silhouette.

The Seychelles consist of inner granite islands and outer coral islands. Praslin and La Digue offer more peace and nature than Mahe.

Getting between islands is easy by ferry and small plane, so trips are usually built around two or three stops with different beaches. The water here is warm year-round, and diving visibility stays good even in the rainy season.

Best season: June-October.
Sea and beaches: spacious beaches with white sand and granite boulders.
Visa requirements: visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
Who it's for: honeymoons, diving, and secluded getaways.
The catch: the flight is expensive and long, and from December to May humidity is high.

Where to stay in the Seychelles on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to go for a beach vacation without a visa in winter?

In winter, Egypt, the UAE, the Maldives, Thailand, and Cuba are the best options. In Egypt and the UAE the sea stays warm, while the Maldives and Thailand are in their dry season. For a long winter stay, consider southern Vietnam, where the swimming season barely pauses.

Where can you swim year-round?

Vietnam, Bali, the Philippines, and Brazil offer year-round swimming. In Vietnam, different climate zones take turns, Bali's dry season runs from April to October, and in Brazil rains are local and short-lived. The key is to check the weather at your specific resort in advance.

Which destinations are good for diving?

The best diving options are the Maldives, Egypt, Tanzania, and Malaysia. In Egypt, people dive in Marsa Alam and El Gouna; in the Maldives, at the atoll reefs. Zanzibar and Sipadan in Malaysia have rich underwater worlds that draw divers from around the globe.

What to choose for a family vacation with kids?

Turkey, the UAE, the Dominican Republic, and Cyprus work well for family trips. Turkey offers a short flight and hotels with pools, the UAE has calm seas and high service standards. In the Dominican Republic, beaches are protected by reefs, and Cyprus has a mild climate and convenient shallow bays.

When is the best time to go to Turkey and Egypt?

In Turkey, the swimming season runs from June to October, with the velvet season in September. In Egypt, the best time is April-June and September-November, when the heat is moderate. In midsummer, both destinations get too hot, so those months are best skipped.

In short: what to book

If you're short on time and want a quick flight, choose Turkey or Cyprus. For winter sun, Egypt, the UAE, and the Maldives fit well, and for a long winter stay, Vietnam. For diving, the Maldives or Egypt make the most sense; for exotic experiences, Zanzibar or the Philippines.

If you have	Pick
Just a week of vacation	Turkey or Cyprus
A winter trip	Egypt or the UAE
A month by the sea	Vietnam or Bali
A honeymoon	Maldives or Seychelles
A family trip with kids	Dominican Republic or Turkey

Check hotel prices on Trip.com

Where to go to the sea without a visa: 25 destinations and the best season for each